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Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell is praising an initiative where inmates from Ngawha Prison are building ablution blocks for whanau being held by Kaeo-based Te Runanga o Whaingaroa.
Mr Flavells was at the opening yesterday of three of the blocks, which contain toilets, showers and laundry facilities.
The runanga is addressing housing needs in its rohe by offering emergency accommodation and in some cases portable cabins for people living in shacks or derelict houses.
He says the partnership with Corrections gives prisoners some construction skills and whanau some respite while they wait for more suitable permanent housing.
"One of the families is a family of seven who have not has a shower block. In fact they have been in the local creek for their showers and so on. This project was able to give them a little respite from the conditions they face," Mr Flavell says.
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